Grants announced for specialty crops

Courtesy photoApples are one of the specialty crops that could qualify for a recently announced grant from the Vermont Agency of Agriculture.
Courtesy photo
Apples are one of the specialty crops that could qualify for a recently announced grant from the Vermont Agency of Agriculture.

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets announces $200,000 in grant funds to strengthen Vermont’s specialty crop industries and producer associations. Specialty crops are defined as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, horticulture crops (including honey, hops, maple syrup and mushrooms), and nursery crops (including Christmas trees and floriculture).

Interested applicants should apply by Feb. 28 at 11:59 p.m.

Grant funds will enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops by (1) leveraging efforts to market and promote specialty crops, (2) assisting producers with research and development, (3) expanding availability and access to specialty crops, or (4) addressing local, regional, and national challenges for producers. Any entity may apply, but projects must benefit more than one specialty crop business, individual, or organization.

To apply, download the request for applications. Applicants must submit a pre-application by Feb. 28 at 11:59 p.m. A review committee will invite the top-ranking projects to submit full applications.

Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets will conduct an information session webinar for all prospective applicants on Feb. 2 at 3-4 p.m. Register for the information session webinar.

(Scott Waterman is policy and communications director for the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets)